The perfect getaway

If it’s been ages since you’ve been away, then it’s time to treat yourself to a stay somewhere special. From Western Isles croft houses to Andalucian cave-dwellings, luxury yachts to castles fit for a princess, here’s our pick of the most special places to get away from it all…

A greek boat shack

Paros is one of those Cycladic Greek islands with whitewashed houses, blue skies and narrow-streeted little towns and villages. It’s all very Mamma Mia. You can go horse-riding along the beach in the morning, learn to sail in the afternoon and go stargazing at night. As well as Greek cuisine and seafood, you’ll find a good selection of international restaurants serving everything from Indonesian curries to Asian and Italian options. 

If you’re looking for somewhere unusual to stay, then The Boatshack – literally a mash up of an old boat and a beach shack with views over the Aegean may be perfect for you. It sleeps two and is nestled amongst ancient vineyards and lush olive groves. It’s an ideal setting for a peaceful and slow paced holiday, with the beach just a four minute car journey away in the pretty little port of Aliki. 

Paros is worth exploring in its own right, but also makes a great base for island hopping with day trips to Antiparos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos all possible. You can fly into Athens, then take a 25 minute flight to Athens or opt for a 31/2 hour high speed ferry from Pireus, Athens’ port. Discover more at oneoffplaces.co.uk. 

A castle fit for a princess

Fairburn Tower, Muir of Ord
The Landmark Trust buys and restores quirky buildings, then rents them out as unique holiday homes. Fairburn Town near Muir of Ord is one of their latest restoration projects. The pink tower house is a Scottish Renaissance treasure, built around 1545 for Murdo Mackenzie, a favourite at the rich court of King James V and Mary of Guise and a loyal Jacobite family in the 1700s. It sleeps four people with four nights costing £424 and upwards depending on the season. There are two twin beds and a double available, though we think it’d be more romantic for a break for two, especially if you have Outlander fantasies. 

If a castle’s not for you, the Landmark Trust has 200 buildings to choose from including picturesque pavilions and medieval long-houses, artillery forts and gothic follies, cotton weavers’ cottages, the homes of great writers and the creations of great architects, with locations from Cornwall to Wick. Because the Trust’s properties are so unique, demand is high, with many already fully booked into 2024. The website has a useful feature which shows all available properties for a few weeks ahead if you can’t wait. Find out more at landmarktrust.org.uk 

A cave house in Adalucia

Perhaps somewhere warmer but still pretty cool? How about living in a cave in Spain? Okay, it’s a bit more upscale than your typical hermit’s abode, having a shared pool, internet access and the nearest shops and
restaurants just a five minute drive away, but the still of the mountains can make you feel like you’re living in another world. It’s a great choice for a recharging break. If you’re feeling healthy, you could go cycling, riding, fishing, walking or taking part in watersports. Alternatively, there’s a hammock on the terrace. 

Castillejar lies inland in the mountains southern Spain, so a hire car is a necessity if you plan on exploring. The Moorish city of Grenada is a couple of hours away, with Malaga, Cordoba and Almeria all a little further. Find out more at oneoffplaces.co.uk

A floating surprise

Fingal is TripAdvisor’s highest ranked hotel in Edinburgh and the epitome of quiet luxury. Once a lighthouse support ship, it was converted into an amazing floating hotel, restaurant and bar, with 22 cabin bedrooms and a Presidential Suite. 

Originally, the vessel belonged to the Northern Lighthouse Board, and was commissioned in 1963. Over the years, the ship served in Oban and Stromness up in Orkney before being retired in 2000. After a spell in Cornwall, Fingal was acquired by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in 2014. 

The conversion took five years but the wait was definitely worth it. Every detail is so well thought out and the food and service second to none. Even the restaurant’s signature salmon is smoked on board. 

You can watch the sun go down over the harbour in Leith, cocktail in hand, before exploring the seasonal menu. 

The location makes it easy to explore all Edinburgh has to offer, from shopping at Multrees Walk or the nearby Ocean Terminal, exploring the city’s galleries and antique shops and visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, Fingal’s next door neighbour. 

A cosy croft house in Skye

If it’s a simpler life you’re after, then the National Trust for Scotland may have the very thing. Beaton’s Croft House is near Uig, on the North West tip of Skye. The traditional thatched blackhouse sleeps two and comes with a woodburning stove. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV, so it’s great for a digital detox. It’s also six miles to the nearest shop and 4.5 to the pub, so you’ll probably need your hiking boots and a book or two. 

If you want to venture out, Skye has plenty of places to explore, from the Cuillin Mountains and Dunvegan Castle, to local potteries, breweries, outdoor adrenalin sports centres and distilleries, or just wandering round Portree while stocking up for dinner. Skye also boasts some superb restaurants, with The Three Chimneys, Edinbane Lodge, Scorrybreac and The Loch Bay all making the most of local produce and having mentions in the Michelin Guide.